The proposal by Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder to introduce mini-nuclear reactors (Small Modular Reactors or SMRs) in Germany to secure affordable energy has ignited a fierce political backlash within the Bundestag. While Söder argues for SMRs as a solution to Germany’s energy needs, opposition parties are raising serious concerns regarding cost, safety and the diversion of resources from established renewable energy infrastructure.
Nina Scheer, energy policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, has vehemently criticized the proposal, characterizing nuclear power generation, even in smaller formats, as “the most expensive form of energy generation”. She highlighted the inherent safety risks associated with SMRs, stating they “pose an enormous safety risk and even produce more nuclear waste than larger reactors”. Furthermore, Scheer underscored the economic unviability, asserting that renewable energy sources, combined with storage solutions, provide a significantly cheaper and faster pathway to clean, secure and domestically available energy.
Söder’s reference to Canada as a potential model has been directly challenged, with Scheer pointing out that Canada has only granted building permits lasting until 2035, stopping short of operational deployment. The failed NuScale Power project in the United States, initially backed by billions in funding, was cited as a cautionary example, with costs ballooning from $5.3 billion to $9.3 billion, ultimately leading to its abandonment.
The CDU, while stopping short of outright endorsement, acknowledged the need for technological openness. CDU parliamentary group vice-leader Sepp Müller suggested that Söder’s ideas “should not be dismissed prematurely” and reiterated the party’s commitment to intensive research into nuclear fusion as a long-term strategic goal.
However, the most scathing criticism came from Julia Verlinden, parliamentary group deputy leader of the Green Party, who accused Söder of employing a “classic diversionary tactic” that would undermine both Germany’s competitiveness and its climate protection efforts. Verlinden pointedly questioned Söder’s sincerity, suggesting that if his primary concern were affordable power, he would prioritize accelerating wind energy development within Bavaria, a region lagging behind in that crucial sector. She emphasized that solar and wind offer the lowest electricity generation costs – a fact increasingly recognized by businesses investing in their own renewable energy facilities to achieve cost savings and energy independence.
Luigi Pantisano, deputy leader of the Left party, delivered a particularly sharp rebuke, accusing Söder of a reckless pursuit of unproven technology. He argued that Bavaria should address its existing shortcomings in wind power development before contemplating the introduction of experimental nuclear reactors. Pantisano’s comments likened Söder’s approach to a desperate attempt to cling to outdated and damaging energy sources, disregarding environmental and human safety concerns.
The AfD echoed a different perspective, with Paul Schmidt, spokesperson for the party’s nuclear working group, expressing support for SMRs, albeit alongside a call to quickly reactivate existing nuclear power plants.
The intense debate highlights a fundamental divergence in energy policy priorities within Germany, raising questions about the role of nuclear power in the nation’s energy future and the ongoing challenge of transitioning to a sustainable and affordable energy system.